September 1, 2013

Friday night at 4 Bears Casino and Lodge in New Town, his pro boxing career began with a knockout.

The 23-year-old super-middleweight kayoed Brent Moorehead of Texas City, Texas, in the second round with a hard right hand to the body.

Article Photos

Ryan Holmgren/MDNVirgil Hill Jr., right, pictured with his father and trainer Virgil Hill Sr. during a training session Monday at Calavera Martial Arts and Boxing Club in Minot.

"It was everything anybody could wish for in their pro debut," Hill Jr. said. "I had my dad there with me, my mom was there with me."

His father, Hall of Fame boxer Virgil Hill Sr., similarly opened his professional career in 1984 with a second-round knockout - albeit a technical knockout - against Arthur Right at New York City's Madison Square Garden.

Hill Jr. said there are some perks to being the son of a five-time world champion.

"I got to use a lot of the stuff my dad used when he first started," Hill Jr. said. "His shoes, spit bucket, everything. It meant a lot."

Hill Jr's second professional fight is set for October 26 at 4 Bears Casino and Lodge, but his opponent is undetermined. He said he looks forward to returning to the same venue.

"The crowd was outstanding," Hill Jr. said. "They really gave me some uplifting. I feel like they put me on as one of North Dakota's sons."

Ryan Holmgren covers general assignment and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @ryanholmgrenMDN.